When you find the practice of yoga to be an instrumental part of your physical, spiritual and mental health, it is natural to want to share that practice with your kids. Children might not be able to hold yoga poses as long as adults, and their naturally short attention spans might be a challenge, however there are many benefits to yoga for kids. It can help develop their bodies, brains, self esteem and emotional health. Yoga can also help kids cope with stress and sharpen their awareness. It can help them become more creative and calm. Teach yoga to kids by making the practice safe, fun and simple.

Steps

Method1

Teaching Yoga Safety to Kids

1

Set time limits for children according to their age. Kids' bodies are still developing, so poses should not be held for too long, and the overall yoga session should match their age and ability.

Allow children 5 years old and younger to spend up to 1 minute or 60 seconds on each exercise or pose. The total yoga session for small children should not be more than 15 minutes.

Allow children who are 6 and older to hold poses and do exercises for up to 1-1/2 minutes, or 90 seconds. Older kids can often endure yoga sessions up to 25 minutes.

2

Take frequent breaks between poses and after challenging or strenuous exercises. Teach kids to meditate or be still during these breaks.

3

Demonstrate the pose. Showing kids how to do it rather than just telling them how to do it will help them move their bodies safely.

4

Warm up before beginning yoga. Show kids how to stretch and loosen their bodies in preparation for yoga or any exercise.

5

Watch what your kids eat before yoga. Yoga should never be practiced on a full stomach.

6

Supervise the yoga your kids do at all times. This will keep them from trying poses that they are not yet ready for, or forcing their bodies into unnatural or harmful positions.

7

Use a yoga mat. A soft and supportive surface is important for safety and comfort.

Method2

Making Yoga Simple and Fun for Kids

1

Invite them to observe you. One way kids will get interested in yoga is by watching you.

2

Teach kids how to breathe. Relaxed and deep breathing is essential to the practice of yoga.

Explain that proper breathing produces calm, allows focus and increases energy. Kids often need to understand "why" they are asked to do something. Teaching the benefits of breathing correctly will help them learn it better.

3

Show kids chants and mantras. Before you even get into yoga poses, kids can learn a lot from the chants you might do while practicing yoga. These will have a soothing effect and help them concentrate.

4

Use stories that will inspire their imaginations. For example, pretend you are taking a trip through the jungle or you are on a deserted island as you introduce different poses.

5

Play follow the leader. This game is an easy and fun way to teach kids poses. You can be the leader and the kids can be the followers.

Method3

Yoga Poses for Children

1

Start with simple standing poses. The Archer Pose is a good one because kids can pretend they are shooting a bow and arrow.

Stand with feet wide apart with your heels on the floor and the left foot pointing left while the right foot points straight ahead. Extend your left arm and position your right arm so you pretend to be pulling back a bow.

Breathe and reverse the posture to the right side.

2

Lift your arms over your head and put your hands together for the Mountain Pose. This will stretch a child's entire body and help with breathing.

3

Turn the Mountain Pose into the Tree Pose by having kids lift one leg off the floor. Hold it at the knee, and then switch and do the other leg.

4

Try a floor pose like the Bowing Pose. Have kids get on their knees and lean forward, with their arms stretched out over their heads and their foreheads touching the floor.

5

Turn the Bowing Pose into the Baby Pose by moving your arms to your sides, with the palms facing up.

6

Try the Cobra Pose. Kids will love pretending to be a snake. Lift the upper body off the floor while your legs and feet remain on the ground.